Willow confirmed for Annie remake

Willow Smith has been confirmed to play plucky orphan Annie in a forthcoming remake.

The budding pop star had been in talks to follow in her elder brother Jaden's footsteps by taking the coveted lead in the new adaptation of the 1982 musical, which her actor dad Will will produce through his Overbrook Entertainment company.

Her role has now been announced, with Columbia Pictures President Doug Belgrad telling Variety: "The time is right to bring back Annie to the big screen. We're true believers in Willow's talent and believe she will be perfect in this role."

Jay-Z, who signed the ten-year-old to his Roc Nation record label and is tipped to work on the music for the movie, added: "We're developing a true superstar in Willow. The Overbrook Entertainment family and I have a unified vision."

The rapper previously sampled one of the musical's signature songs for Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem).

Will produced The Pursuit Of Happyness and last year's blockbuster The Karate Kid, which featured his son Jaden.

Aileen Quinn starred as the red-headed orphan in the original 1982 movie, while Alicia Morton portrayed her in the 1999 Disney TV film.